ADHD evaluation and treatment
Attention, organization, impulsivity, or restlessness can have many causes. A careful evaluation can clarify whether ADHD may be contributing.
Most appointments are provided by secure video for patients located in California.
Reasons people seek an ADHD evaluation
- Difficulty sustaining attention or following through on tasks
- Trouble with organization, planning, or time management
- Frequent forgetfulness or losing important items
- Restlessness or difficulty slowing down
- Impulsive decisions or difficulty waiting
- Longstanding difficulties affecting school, work, relationships, or daily responsibilities
Having some of these difficulties does not necessarily mean that someone has ADHD. The evaluation considers the pattern, history, degree of impairment, and other possible explanations.
How ADHD is evaluated
ADHD is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation rather than a single test. Dr. Yang reviews current symptoms and functioning, developmental and childhood history, psychiatric and relevant medical history, and whether another condition may be contributing to or better explaining the difficulties.
An evaluation may require more than one appointment when the history is unclear or additional information would be helpful.
When appropriate, information from someone who knew you well earlier in life—such as a parent, sibling, or another close family member—may provide useful context. Childhood school records, previous evaluations, or other relevant records can also be helpful when available. These additional sources are not required in every situation.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD before
A previous ADHD diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment history is useful information. Dr. Yang will still complete his own clinical assessment before recommending ongoing treatment.
If available, prior diagnostic records and information about medications previously tried can help provide additional context.
Treatment options
Treatment is individualized based on the overall clinical picture, your goals, other health conditions, and the potential benefits and risks of different options.
Depending on your needs, treatment may include medication, practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms, coordination with psychotherapy or other clinicians, or a combination of approaches.
An ADHD diagnosis does not automatically mean that stimulant medication will be recommended.
Monitoring when stimulant medication is used
If stimulant medication is recommended, additional monitoring is used to support safe and consistent treatment.
A urine drug screen is required before stimulant treatment begins and may be repeated periodically, including at random, during ongoing treatment. Other monitoring may also be recommended based on the medication and your individual health needs.
ADHD and other conditions
Attention and concentration difficulties are not specific to ADHD. Similar symptoms can occur with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, sleep problems, substance use, and certain medical conditions.
The evaluation considers whether ADHD, another condition, or a combination of factors best explains the difficulties you are experiencing.
Treatment priorities when conditions overlap
When ADHD occurs alongside another psychiatric or medical condition, treatment is prioritized based on the overall clinical picture.
If another condition is more urgent, could affect treatment safety, or needs to be clarified first, Dr. Yang may recommend addressing it before starting ADHD treatment. In other situations, ADHD and other concerns can be treated together.
Common questions about ADHD evaluation and treatment
If I already have an ADHD diagnosis or take ADHD medication, can I continue the same treatment?
A previous diagnosis, records, and treatment history are helpful, but Dr. Yang completes his own evaluation before recommending ongoing treatment. A previous prescription does not guarantee that the same medication or dose will be continued.
Will an ADHD evaluation always require more than one appointment?
No. Some evaluations can be completed without an additional visit, while others may benefit from more time, prior records, or information from someone who knew you earlier in life. The process depends on how clear the history is.
Helpful before scheduling
You don’t have to figure out the next step alone.
If attention, organization, or impulsivity is interfering with daily life, a careful evaluation can help clarify next steps.